I have my family off road trip 2001 LC that I am waiting on the stage 3 icon lift kit, already have a 2001 3rd gen 4runner (OME lift, tires and not much else) and snatched up a LX450 completely stock. My back country camping/hunting trips (all in the southwest) have been with the 4runner which has worked really well but I had my eye on an 80 series for a while due to the increased durability, longevity, and carry capacity. So I am considering selling the 3rd gen and using the $$ to get the LX450 dialed in but I am relatively new to both platforms and wanted to get some opinions/thoughts from people who have experience running both.
Which one to keep? LX450 or 3rd Gen 4runner
- Thread starter 78sharp
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Francis K
SILVER Star
I hate to say it but the 4Runner would be much more feasible as a long term vehicle. This coming from a guy who is currently building a 97 LC to use as an every day vehicle 
Also a stock LX in decent shape should bring you a nice return while the 4Runner not so much…
I guess it comes down to what you want, you want to be Billy badass with an enviable rig then keep the LX but if you want feasibility then keep the 4Runner.
Also a stock LX in decent shape should bring you a nice return while the 4Runner not so much…
I guess it comes down to what you want, you want to be Billy badass with an enviable rig then keep the LX but if you want feasibility then keep the 4Runner.
I traded in my 3rd Gen 4Runner LTD for my 200. No regrets, the 4Runner was an incredible rig, dead reliable, gave me many years of service but she couldn't tow 5000lbs. I just recently purchased a 1995 80 series. I'm stunned by what a tank it is. Much heavier duty than my 4Runner. I would lean towards keeping the LX.
NLXTACY
Wits' End
I have a 2000 3rd Gen 4WD, 5-spd 5VZE along with my two LX450s and the 100. The 3rd Gen literally sits and collects dust.
JunkCrzr89
Competent Ignoramoose
That’s what I did.
You're asking an "80 group" about keeping an 80 or a 4Runner........
Most of your answers will be keep the 80.
I own both, mild build on the 3rd Gen and wild build on my 450.
Depends on what you want out of them. Seems your 4Runner is dialed in already.
Take what you think you need budget wise to build your 450 and double it! Now is that worth it to you??
Most of your answers will be keep the 80.
I own both, mild build on the 3rd Gen and wild build on my 450.
Depends on what you want out of them. Seems your 4Runner is dialed in already.
Take what you think you need budget wise to build your 450 and double it! Now is that worth it to you??
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Road Apple
SILVER Star
Welcome to MUD !!
Having owned both trucks, I would keep the LX, which holds more gear, is much more capable offroad, and is more comfortable on long trips.
The 4Runner gets better gas mileage and is a good rig for camping and fire roads though.
Living in SoCal, you’re likely to wheel in the rocks at some point, where the 4Runner’s IFS may leave you at the trail head. The LX will take you further into the back country. No comparison in offroad capability. Night and day difference.
Having owned both trucks, I would keep the LX, which holds more gear, is much more capable offroad, and is more comfortable on long trips.
The 4Runner gets better gas mileage and is a good rig for camping and fire roads though.
Living in SoCal, you’re likely to wheel in the rocks at some point, where the 4Runner’s IFS may leave you at the trail head. The LX will take you further into the back country. No comparison in offroad capability. Night and day difference.
3rd gen 4runner is one of the better yotas ever made. I would question your assumption in the OP of increased durability/longevity of the 80. With ongoing maintenance, the 3rd gen and the 80 will both last forever. With less than perfect maintenance, the 3rd gen will outlive the 80 and cost a lot less to own along the way. Just this guy's opinion, having lived with both vehicles for many years.
All that aside, the 80 does hold significantly more stuff. Doesn't sound like hardcore offroad is in your plan, but the 80 is easily better for that too (although the 3rd gen is no slouch).
Personal choice, whatever floats your boat. I think the 4runner is the more practical choice, but you want what you want.
All that aside, the 80 does hold significantly more stuff. Doesn't sound like hardcore offroad is in your plan, but the 80 is easily better for that too (although the 3rd gen is no slouch).
Personal choice, whatever floats your boat. I think the 4runner is the more practical choice, but you want what you want.
^^all this^^
Keep the 4runner for hunting trip, unless your hunting big games.... the 100s can be your camping trip.
I would personally keep the 4 runner.
I have a 4th gen v8 4runner, it’s far nicer than my 80 for interstate trips, around town and towing. Plus it gets about 20mpg with a lift and 33’s. We also use it for camping/mild wheeling trips with the wife when we take our travel trailer.
If it spends 90% of its time on pavement, I’d say keep the 4runner. The biggest downside to them is interior space, but sounds like you have a 100 for that. I can fit twice as much stuff in either my 80 or 100 than the 4runner.
If it spends 90% of its time on pavement, I’d say keep the 4runner. The biggest downside to them is interior space, but sounds like you have a 100 for that. I can fit twice as much stuff in either my 80 or 100 than the 4runner.
COYS
SILVER Star
Those 2uzfe powered 4th gens are so under appreciated. I loved mine when I had it and never should’ve sold it. I went so far as to put a factory sport edition hood on it since the V8 only came with the limited. Such smooth power and the perfect size for daily duties.
With that said, as old and slow and rough the 80 is, it’s got vintage appeal that no 4r present and future can come close to touching. All
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- Thread starter
- #15
I didn't know the IFS in the 3rd gen is as durable and reliable as the 80 solid front axle. I just assumed solid axle always wins but perhaps I was skewed from my ford experiences (my "keep till I die" truck is a 93 F350 7.3 IDI w/ATS turbo, crewcab, 5 spd 4x4)
It’s not as durable or reliable, but if you keep up on maintenance and run 33’s or under it will hold up just fine. If you want to do harder trails or run bigger tires, I would keep the 80.
thatcabledude
GOLD Star
Keep whichever you like more.
I owned a 3rd gen for a couple years, concurrently with a FJ62 that I'd had for a long time. Both my wife and I preferred the 62 so the 4Runner was sold.
Recently decided to sell the 62 (rust was advancing) and bought the LX. No, it's not as practical as the 4Runner but: I like it a lot more and don't drive many miles.
It won't be lifted or modified much, I figure it will be more dependable and plenty capable in stock form.
Recently decided to sell the 62 (rust was advancing) and bought the LX. No, it's not as practical as the 4Runner but: I like it a lot more and don't drive many miles.
It won't be lifted or modified much, I figure it will be more dependable and plenty capable in stock form.
Simple common sense has no place on the pages of Mud. You know this.
It depends on your definition of "durable." If you mean you can run it into a stump at higher speed, drag it through rock gardens taking the "fun" lines, then yes the 80 solid axle is more durable.
If you mean it will pile on the miles without incident, then the 3rd gen IFS is more durable.
Known failure point of 3rd gen IFS is the lower ball joints. Replace them once every 150-200k with geinuine OEM LBJs (which for most guys means once or never, depending on maintenance history) and that's all the maintenance you need unless you hear the CV's clicking.
By contrast, the 80 axle needs a knuckle rebuild every 60k, need to disassemble the hub to change out brake rotors, drive flanges and spindles are known to wear out, need to check grease regularly and "check yer nuts" every time you go wheeling. Oh, and you might still hear a birf clicking and changing out a birf is way more involved than changing out a CV axle.
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